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PA-2 Congressman Chaka Fattah. AL DÍA file photo.

Challengers flash cash in race against Rep. Fattah

Fattah heads toward the Democratic primary facing 29 indictments from federal prosecutors.

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Correction, Jan. 20, 2016: 
In early January, Dan Muroff reported "roughly" $210,000 in his campaign coffer, putting him in second place for fundraising ahead of Rep. Brian Sims and behind Rep. Dwight Evans.
Original story below:
 

Three candidates in the PA-2 Democratic primary have flashed some benjamins in their contest with 11-term Congressman Chaka Fattah.

Dan Muroff, president of CeaseFire PA and leader of Philadelphia’s 9th ward, was the first to show some dough. He had received 365 contributions for a grand total of $160,000 cash on hand at the end of the third fundraising quarter in September 2015. No updated reports have been issued from Muroff since that time.

Last week, with the end of the latest fundraising quarter, State Rep. Brian Sims announced that he has raised $230,000 from 2,500 individuals. Sims noted that the average donation — less than $100 per contributor — highlighted his grassroots support.

But the first place fundraising award goes to...

Politically powerful State Rep. Dwight Evans, who has received over $330,000 in the mere eight weeks since he joined the race. His campaign manager Michael Dineen revealed that Evans has $280,000 cash on hand.

Dineen also added in a note that Evans will not be running for reelection in his house district. It is likely a reference to Sims, who is running for both offices simultaneously. But it also could be a show of confidence towards the incumbent Fattah.

Heading into a packed primary, Fattah faces 29 indictments from federal prosecutors.

As of October 2015, the embattled congressman had less than $1,000 in his campaign coffers, the Inquirer reported.

Fattah's campaign fund finished the third fundraising quarter in October with just $2,607 in the bank. An outstanding debt of $1,785 left him with a net balance of $822. No reports have been released since that time.

Much of Fattah’s debt has come from defending himself against the lengthy federal investigation that led to his July 2015 indictment. Last year he launched a separate fundraising effort to help pay for his legal fees.

Lower Merion Township Commissioner Brian Gordon is also running, but no campaign finance statements could be located in time for this article.

The primary election is on April 26.

Dwight Evans canvassing for a mayoral bid back in 2006. Photo via Dwight Evans on Flickr.
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